Every day, thousands of Nigerians export food items like garri, ogbono, palm oil, melon, dried pepper, crayfish, and more to the US, UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia.
But the biggest challenge is always the same:
Which shipping company can you trust?
Choosing the wrong company can lead to:
❌ Delayed shipments
❌ Missing goods
❌ Extra hidden charges
❌ Damaged products
❌ Total loss
Today’s post will show you how to find reliable shipping companies for export, how to verify them, and how to avoid scammers pretending to be freight agents.
Let’s go 💼🚢
✅ 1. Start with Registered & Verified Companies
Before you hand over your goods, make sure the company is:
- Registered with CAC Nigeria
- Registered with Nigerian Shippers Council
- Registered with Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
- Has a physical office you can verify
Most trusted shipping companies also have:
- Website
- Customer service lines
- Business address
- Tracking system
If they can’t show these, avoid them.
✅ 2. Recommended Nigeria-Based Shipping Companies
Below are legit and trusted companies exporters commonly use:
⭐ 1. DHL Nigeria (Best for fast Air Freight)
- Reliable
- Fast
- Accepts small packages
- Global tracking
Good for: Samples, dried foods, herbs, spices, cosmetics.
⭐ 2. FedEx / Red Star Express
- Strong global network
- Excellent tracking
- Good customer support
Good for: Lightweight & medium-weight export goods.
⭐ 3. EMS/SpeedPost (NIPOST)
- Affordable
- Government-backed
- Good for small-scale exporters
Not the fastest but very reliable for food export.
⭐ 4. Sifax Group (Sea Freight)
- Handles containers
- Works with big exporters
Perfect for:
Bulk garri, palm oil, hibiscus, ginger, sesame seeds, shea butter, yam flour.
⭐ 5. Maersk Line (International Sea Freight)
One of the biggest in the world.
If your buyer requests container shipping, Maersk is a top option.
⭐ 6. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Another international giant with strong presence in Nigeria.
⭐ 7. Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics
A trusted Nigerian-owned company exporting goods worldwide.
⭐ 8. De-United Foods Logistics (DUFL)
Handles food items, packaging, labeling, and shipping for small exporters.
💡 Tip:
Before choosing any freight company, ask if they have experience shipping food items.
Some companies don’t handle edibles unless the exporter has certifications.
✅ 3. Verify Their Address & Online Presence
Before finalizing:
🔎 Check the company on:
- Google Maps
- Facebook business page
- LinkedIn page
- Their website
- Customer reviews
- Nairaland logistic reviews
- NEPC exporter forum
Fake agents usually have:
❌ No office
❌ No reviews
❌ No traceable digital footprint
Always confirm everything.
✅ 4. Ask These Important Questions
Before handing over goods, ask:
- Do you ship food items?
- What countries do you ship to?
- What is your delivery time?
- What is the cost per kg?
- Can I track my shipment?
- Do you clear goods at customs?
- What documents do you need from me?
- What happens if items get damaged?
A legitimate company will answer clearly and confidently.
✅ 5. Avoid Agents Who Show These Red Flags
🚫 They ask for full payment before weighing your goods
🚫 They operate only on WhatsApp
🚫 No physical office
🚫 No customer reviews
🚫 No receipt or invoice
🚫 Unbelievably cheap rates
🚫 They want you to ship to “their friend abroad”
Export scams are increasing — be alert.
✅ 6. Use NEPC’s Exporters Hub
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council provides lists of verified exporters and logistics companies.
Visit NEPC’s website to confirm companies involved in export processes.
This is where serious exporters start.
🧾 Bonus: Needed Export Documents
Most shipping companies require:
- NAFDAC exemption (for food items)
- NEPC Exporter’s Certificate
- Form E
- Certificate of origin
- Packing list
- Commercial invoice
Prepare these early to avoid delays.
💸 Need Quick Loan Before Shipping?
If you have confirmed orders but need fast money to package and export, try:
👉 Caritas Multipurpose Cooperative (Quick Farmers/Exporters Loan)
https://sites.google.com/view/caritasmultipurposecooperative/home/
They support small farmers and agro exporters with simple, fast-access funding.
🌐 Need a Farm Website to Look Professional?
Foreign buyers trust you more when you have a clean, professional website.
If you need a freelancer to build your farm or export website, I’m available anytime:
👉 https://github.com/billsanthony
A good website helps you attract:
- Buyers
- Investors
- Diaspora clients
- Shipping partners
A website is your export identity. Don’t ignore it.
📲 Stay Connected with Npower Farmers Cooperative
Telegram: t.me/farmersupdates
Website: npowerfarmers.ng